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“Just as the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills.

How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality. Today everything comes under the laws of competition and the survival of the  fittest, where the powerful feed upon the powerless. As a consequence, masses of people nd themselves excluded and marginalized without work, without possibilities, without any means of escape.”

Today’s second reading from the first letter of Peter says: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope…” In the midst of so much that is cruel and negative in our world, we know that our faith makes a difference. We don’t go around with our heads in the sand, but we know that Jesus came into the world to save us by dying and rising from the dead. The Holy Spirit was sent to make sure that we had what we needed to show forth the love of God. As the Gospel tells us, Jesus “will not leave us orphans.” The message of these final weeks of the Easter Season will continue to reinforce this promise of Jesus. Take some time to let this message sink in.

Don’t forget the Korean Bazaar that is being held this Sunday. It is so closeby – just head east on 31st Street, cross 6th Avenue, and when you come to Broadway, you are there! Treat yourself! There are many dedicated Korean brothers and sisters waiting to have you taste their wonderful food. See you there!

In just two weeks, many of us Franciscans will be going to Siena College near Albany for our Provincial Chapter. This is held every three years and is an important gathering for us Friars. Please note that the church will be open as usual, but with a very modi ed schedule, so please check the schedule elsewhere in the bulletin or online.

Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

We wish all mothers a very happy Mother’s Day!

From Sunday, May 14, through Monday, May 22, we will remember at daily Mass all mothers, living and deceased, in our Mother’s Day Novena.

We take this special occasion to say “thank you” and pray that God will always cherish those who gave us life.

Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment

“In our time humanity is experiencing a turning-point in its history, as we can see from the advances being made is so many fields. We can only praise the steps being taken to improve people’s welfare in areas such as health care, education and communications. At the same time we have to remember that the majority of our contemporaries are barely living from day to day, with dire consequences.

A number of diseases are spreading. The hearts of many people are gripped by fear and desperation, even in the so-called rich countries. The joy of living frequently fades, lack of respect for others, and violence are on the rise, and inequality is increasingly evident. It is a struggle to live and, often, to live with precious little dignity.

This epochal change has been set in motion by the enormous qualitative, quantitative, rapid and cumulative advances occurring the sciences and technology, and by their instant application in different areas of nature and of life. We are in an age of knowledge and information, which has led to new and often anonymous kinds of power.”